Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Long Beach is 86% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,803/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 18%
$83,969/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 20%
$762,200 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 67%
$1,890/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 36%
458,491
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $16,448/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Long Beach or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $16,448/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Palm Bay

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock